In a groundbreaking collaboration, we are proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as part of the project “WIN for Women and Men – Strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality”.

The Women Go Tech and OSCE partnership is centered on conducting research to identify the primary barriers that hinder female tech talent from entering the industry—particularly focusing on Ukrainian women in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The primary aim of the research is to pinpoint areas where opportunities can be created to facilitate the integration of these women into the job market, specifically within the tech sector. Adapting Women Go Tech introductory online course and mentoring programme is named as one of the solutions.

This initiative will contribute to achieve the OSCE WIN project goals  through conducting innovative research, and providing learning and mentoring opportunities to women affected by conflict and displacement. The partnership will equip women with new skills to enter or make a career in the digital economy. .

“At the heart of the OSCE’s work is the belief that the active participation of all members of society in all spheres of life fosters peace and stability. This is why we view women’s participation in digital spaces as a democratizing action in itself, giving way to broader diversity and inclusion in the tech industry as well as in all other aspects of life that now take place in virtual spaces, – says Lara Scarpitta OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues

The OSCE, the world’s largest regional security organization, is committed to enhancing gender equality and empowering displaced persons, including Ukrainian women in Ukraine and refugees abroad, as part of its WIN project. This partnership extends beyond research support and includes adapting our programs to cater specifically to the needs of Ukrainian women.

Identifying Challenges & Obstacles

The research aspect of the partnership focuses on identifying the unique challenges and obstacles faced by Ukrainian women in Ukraine and those who have sought refuge in other countries. This research will encompass various aspects, including access to education, skills development, and job placement, with a particular emphasis on the tech industry. 

Jarūnė Preikšaitė, CEO of Women Go Tech, stated, “Our goal through this partnership is twofold. First, we aim to adapt our programs to better serve the specific needs of Ukrainian women, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to succeed in the tech industry. Second, our research will cover the broader CEE region, shedding light on challenges faced by women and issues in local tech job markets, opportunities AI revolution could bring for women in tech”

Ms. Preikšaitė added, “This partnership signifies a pivotal moment in our mission to empower women in tech. We are not only addressing the pressing issues faced by Ukrainian women but also casting a wider net to understand the challenges across the entire Central and Eastern European region. Our research will provide valuable insights to drive change and create new opportunities for women in tech.”

The focus countries for the research include Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukrainian talent in exile.

The expected outcomes will also serve as policy recommendations to address the identified barriers. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to empower and integrate Ukrainian women into the tech job market, promoting diversity and inclusion.